Tech City UK was given an allowance of 200 "exceptional talent
visas" to attract overseas workers to come and join UK tech
startups. But according to Techworld the organisation only
managed to hand out seven visas in a year.

Only 10 applications were received for Tech City UK's visa
scheme, and seven applicants were approved. That might seem like
a decent outcome for a pilot scheme — but Tech City UK had 200
visas to hand out, not 10.

Tech City UK was one of five British organisations allowed to
endorse and fast-track visa applications for valuable workers
from foreign countries. Only 10 applications for the scheme were
received between 6 April 2014 and 1 April 2015, a freedom of
invitation request sent by Techworld reveals. Seven were
approved, two remain under review, and one was rejected.

The purpose of this visa route is to attract applicants that
demonstrate world-class aptitude to ensure our sector can compete
on the world stage. With nine individuals accepted since launch,
the figure of 200 is not a target but rather a maximum allowance.
This is testament to the UK’s leadership as a global tech hub
considering this is the first year for the visa route.

The Arts Council was another British organisation given access to
the exceptional talent visa scheme. It managed to attract 83
applications, far more than Tech City UK.